Daijiworld Media Network - Brahmavar

Brahmavar, Nov 4: Hangarakatte in Brahmavar taluk is mourning the loss of its most beloved physician, Dr K P Shetty (77), fondly known across Udupi district as the “Rs 5 doctor”, who passed away on Tuesday, November 4.

A resident of Baludru, Mabukal, Dr Shetty was a familiar and trusted name in every household of Sasthana and Hangarakatte, where he served as a family doctor for more than five decades. He began his career at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, and later joined the State Health Department, before resigning to dedicate himself entirely to community healthcare.

“He considered medicine a form of social service, not a profession,” recalled a local resident, remembering how Dr Shetty charged just Rs 5 in his early days, and later Rs 30 including all medicines, ensuring that no one was ever denied treatment for lack of money.

For over 55 years, he treated thousands with compassion and humility, earning the love and respect of the community. Beyond his medical practice, he was actively involved in public life — serving as president of the Shri Ganeshotsava Committee and as a member of the Baludru School Centenary Celebration Committee. His selfless service earned him recognition and honours from numerous organisations.

Dr Shetty is survived by three sons and a daughter.

With his passing, Hangarakatte has lost not just a physician but a symbol of humane, affordable healthcare — a doctor whose stethoscope echoed kindness and whose clinic door was never closed to anyone in need